What this article will show you is that every dishwasher requires sufficient water temperature, proper detergent, rinse additive, and proper loading practices.

Water temperature. 
Most manufacturers suggest a minimum 120 Fahrenheit for the dishwasher to begin the cleaning process, 140 to remove food soiling, and 155 to sanitize and remove bacteria. Consider the fact that restaurants boost the dishwasher temperature to 180 degrees Fahrenheit to clean the dishes while satisfying health requirements. Consumers misunderstanding these requirements have led to problems for the household dishwasher. 

In a dishwasher the temperature of the wash water is paramount. Unfortunately, It is now common to find household water temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or less. Many people have lowered their household water temperature in an effort to lower electrical consumption. Unfortunately it has negative consequences for the dishwasher.  

Manufacturers state low water temperatures don't provide enough heat to clean dishes properly. Supporters of lower water temperatures claim it is environmentally friendly and results in less possibility of scalding. This debate over hot water tank temperatures has resulted in a catch 22 type scenario. Lower the water tank temperature to lower consumption and be more child safe, but then end up leaving large amounts of bacteria on the plates we use to eat.  

Low water temperature can also affect the cycle length. When too low the dishwasher keeps stopping to try and heat the water. A normal cycle of 40 minutes may be extended to 2 hours with all the heating delays. This longer cycle certainly negates any savings of electricity. Some dishwashers may stall completely due to low water temperatures.  

Using proper detergent.
Using the proper type of detergent is very important. Whichever you choose never overfill the detergent dispenser. Most have a maximum level line of which you must be aware. Plus don't allow old residual detergent to remain n the dispenser. If any present, clean dispenser with a wet rag. 

Be aware that dishwasher detergent is one of the few detergents with a shelf life. If too old it can go stale and lose its effectiveness. Many poor cleaning problems are resolved with a fresh box of a quality detergent.

Gel or crystal, the choice is yours. Both seem to work equally well. If your water temperature is low (as described above) gel may be a better choice because it breaks down at a lower temperature. Crystal is physically easier to control for many people, because it spills less. This becomes important if children are helping load the machine. If using crystal detergent be aware that it can pick up moisture from the air and become lumpy. These lumps will be difficult to fully dissolve. If at cycle’s end you see detergent left inside it may be evidence of hardened crystals. Additional evidence of moisture buildup can be seen if the box itself appears to be swollen. If seen, replace immediately with a fresh box.  

A box of detergent should be consumed within 2-3 months. If not throw it away and buy a new one. Match the box size to your needs. Do not buy a large box just because it is on sale. If you have to throw most of it away, it wasn’t much of a bargain.

Some detergent manufacturers now offer a product that combines the detergent with the rinse additive. Others offer a detergent that includes a special grease-dissolving agent. Still others are in a tab form, or inside a dissolvable plastic pouch. Whichever form you prefer the one thing we always stress is, “when you find one that works for you stick with it … even if it costs more than others”.

Rinse additive. 
This is something that gets forgotten once the free sample bottle that came with the dishwasher has been used. Its job is to make the water run off the dishes faster so they can dry quicker. Without it there would be little beads of water on everything at the end of the cycle. Glasses especially would appear to be water stained or be left with a gritty residue. So if poor cleaning is a problem, check the rinse additive level. But remember, only one or two drops are added per load. A few ounces of rinse additive lasts a very long time. Such a long time that customers often think it is not being added, and blame the additive for problems it has nothing to do with.

To refill, look on the dishwasher door for a cap or plug that is removable. It is often overlooked because the time between fill ups can be months. Also, the appliance manufacturers could help solve this problem if more of them added some sort of “Hey, I’m empty” indicator.

Frigidaire dishwashers have a neat little indicator. Right next to the soap dispenser is a clear plastic eye that changes colour when the additive is empty. So every time you add detergent to the machine you also see this eye staring back at you. White if empty, and black if full. Simple, effective, and smart.

Proper loading. 
Lastly, don’t forget that how you load the dishes can drastically affect how well they are cleaned. Proper loading will allow the water to penetrate all the nooks and crannies. Try the following suggestions: 

• Cups and glasses on the top rack with bottoms up

• Plates on the bottom rack all facing the same direction

• Bowls either rack, but all facing the same direction

• Utensils in the utensil holder in a mixed fashion (some knives, forks, spoons together in each compartment) to allow gaps between them

• Large items, such as a spatulas, laying down on top rack

• Pots bottom up wherever space allows (on their side okay if positioned so that water will drain out)

Placing the dishes and utensils in an orderly manner really does make for a better wash. It allows the water sprays to penetrate the dishes thoroughly. Try it … it works.

You now know what is needed to make the dishes come out of the dishwasher sparkling clean. Hot water, good detergent, rinse additive, and proper loading practices. That’s it – that’s all. Provide all four of these things to the dishwasher and your cleaning success is guaranteed. So load up the machine, go get yourself a liquid refreshment, put your feet up and let the dishwasher do all the work.

By Donald Grummett

Copyright © 2005 Donald Grummett. All rights reserved